Weinstein, Exodus make multipic deal

Companies to develop, produce, finance projects

CANNES — The Weinstein Co. has set an overall multipic deal with Exodus Film Group, the private equity animation outfit behind TWC’s the upcoming feature “Igor.”

The two companies will jointly develop, produce and finance a slate of CG-animated films, television series, direct-to-video productions and other toon projects that TWC will distribute worldwide.

Under the pact, the L.A.-based Exodus will also add a New York presence, moving into the TWC building.

“Igor,” with voices by the likes of John Cusack, Jay Leno, Jeremy Piven and Molly Shannon, bows wide Oct. 24. In announcing the overall deal, TWC co-chairman Harvey Weinstein and Exodus CEO John D. Eraklis also said a sequel to “Igor” is under way.

The CG-animated “Igor” is described as an irreverent twist on the classic monster genre. It tells the story of an evil scientist’s hunchbacked lab assistant, who dreams of moving up in the world and winning the Evil Science Fair.

Vet animation scripter Anthony Leondis (“Home on the Range,” “The Prince of Egypt”) is directing from a screenplay by Chris McKenna. Eraklis and Exodus prexy Max Howard are producing.

Outside the pact with TWC, Exodus pics include “The Hero of Color City,” which is in pre-production and set for domestic release by Magnolia Pictures, and “Bunyan & Babe.”

On “Igor,” TWC has all theatrical and DVD distribution rights, including North America. It also reps international rights.

Eric Robinson, veep of production and development, will oversee the creative aspects of the relationship on behalf of TWC.

Glen Basner, prexy of TWC Intl., and Michal Podell, veep of international biz and legal affairs, negotiated on behalf of TWC. Eraklis, Howard, Jean-Luc De Fanti and Weissmann, Wolff’s Todd Stern negotiated for Exodus Film Group.